Hidden Compartment Boxes- Art Sparks

Invite students to sculpt a small, lidded box that hides something special inside. Whether it is a symbolic treasure or a keepsake, these boxes combine function with imagination. The challenge: design a container with personality while making sure the lid fits snugly!

Great For

• Ceramics classrooms exploring form & function
• Camps or studio workshops with storytelling themes
• Projects about symbolism, identity, or “hidden meanings”

Simple Directions

1. Begin by creating a small base form (pinch pot, slab cube, or cylinder).
2. Construct a fitted lid (flat, domed, or sculpted). Test fit and adjust while clay is soft.
3. Add surface textures, carved designs, or sculpted details that hint at what the box might “hold.”
4. Optional: sculpt a small clay object to place inside.
5. Dry completely, bisque fire, glaze, and glaze fire.

Design Plan: Each student designs a lidded box that tells a story. The outside can hint at what’s inside—through texture, symbols, or sculpted details—while the inside stays a private space for something meaningful. Tip: Skip the glaze where the lid and base touch so they will still fit together nicely after firing.

Mayco Glaze Suggestions: Mayco’s Fundamentals Underglazes are ideal for this project and your classroom. They provide solid coverage on wet clay, greenware, or bisque and can be left matte or finished with a clear glaze for shine. Blend, mix, or thin them for watercolor effects. They are perfect for creating contrast on the Hidden Compartment Box. Matte areas enhance the mystery, while glossy sections add polish. Class packs of our most popular colors are available.

Variations & Extensions

• Have students sculpt a matching object that fits inside their box.
• Explore cultural traditions of lidded vessels (Japanese tea caddies, African reliquary boxes, etc.).
• Create a collaborative “Cabinet of Curiosities” display with all the boxes arranged together.